Investing in Short-Term Rentals With an IRA: What You Need to Know

In This Article

Short-term rentals (STRs) have become an increasingly popular investment strategy, with platforms like Airbnb and VRBO making it easier than ever to generate income from vacation and short-stay properties. Many investors are now looking for ways to incorporate STRs into their retirement portfolios using a self-directed IRA (SDIRA).

By investing in short-term rentals with an IRA, you can take advantage of tax-deferred (or tax-free) growth while leveraging the potential for high rental income. However, this strategy comes with specific rules and considerations that investors must understand before getting started. 

Here’s what to know about how STRs work within an IRA, their potential benefits, and key pitfalls to avoid.

Why Consider Short-Term Rentals in an IRA?

Short-term rentals can enable you to receive higher nightly rental rates compared to long-term rentals. For investors using a self-directed IRA, STRs can provide a way to diversify their retirement portfolios beyond traditional stocks and bonds.

Potential benefits of investing in STRs with a self-directed IRA include:

• Higher income potential: STRs have the potential to generate higher returns per night than long-term rentals, especially in high-demand locations.
• Tax-advantaged growth: Income generated within an IRA grows tax-deferred (traditional IRA) or tax-free (Roth IRA), helping you maximize long-term wealth.
• Portfolio diversification: Real estate can provide a hedge against market volatility and inflation.
• Flexible investment strategy: Depending on location and demand, STRs can offer seasonal income surges and dynamic pricing advantages.

How It Works: Buying an Airbnb/VRBO in an SDIRA

Purchasing a short-term rental through a self-directed IRA follows a structured process to ensure compliance with IRS regulations. Here’s how it works.

Step 1: Open and fund a self-directed IRA

To invest in STRs, you must first establish an IRA with a custodian that allows real estate investments, such as Equity Trust Company. You can fund your self-directed IRA through rollovers, transfers, or new contributions.

Step 2: Identify a short-term rental property

Choose a property in a desirable location with strong short-term rental demand. Popular areas include vacation hot spots, urban centers, and event-driven locations.

Step 3: Purchase the property through the SDIRA

The IRA—not you personally—must be the buyer of the property. All purchase transactions must be completed using IRA funds, and the property title must reflect IRA ownership.

Step 4: Hire a third-party property manager

IRS rules prohibit self-dealing, meaning you cannot personally manage or perform maintenance on the property. A qualified third-party property management company must handle bookings, maintenance, and other operational tasks.

Step 5: Ensure all expenses and income flow through the IRA

All property-related expenses (maintenance, taxes, repairs, insurance) must be paid using IRA funds. Likewise, all rental income must go back into the IRA, maintaining tax-deferred or tax-free growth.

Key Considerations & IRS Rules

While investing in STRs through a self-directed IRA has potential advantages, there are essential rules and tax considerations to be aware of.

1. No personal use of the property

IRS regulations prohibit IRA owners and their immediate family members from staying in or personally benefiting from an IRA-owned property. Any personal use of the STR will be considered a prohibited transaction, potentially disqualifying the IRA and triggering taxes and penalties.

2. Expenses must be paid from the IRA

You cannot personally cover maintenance, repairs, or management fees for an IRA-owned property. All expenses must be paid directly from the IRA’s funds to maintain compliance.

3. Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT) considerations

If the SDIRA-financed property uses a non-recourse loan, rental income may be subject to Unrelated Business Income Tax (UBIT). This tax applies when IRA investments generate income through leveraged financing, potentially reducing overall returns. Investors should consult a tax professional to understand UBIT implications.

4. Research short-term rental regulations

Some cities and HOAs have strict rules regarding STRs, including permit requirements, rental restrictions, and taxation policies. Always check local regulations before purchasing a property to ensure compliance.

Learn More About Real Estate in an IRA

Investing in short-term rentals through an SDIRA can provide benefits, including tax advantages. However, it’s crucial to understand the IRS rules and regulations to avoid penalties and maximize returns. Working with a custodian with extensive experience in self-directed real estate investing, like Equity Trust, can make the process much smoother. 

If you’re ready to explore how STRs fit into your retirement strategy, connect with an Equity Trust IRA Counselor today.

Equity Trust Company is a directed custodian and does not provide tax, legal, or investment advice. Any information communicated by Equity Trust is for educational purposes only, and should not be construed as tax, legal, or investment advice. Whenever making an investment decision, please consult with your tax attorney or financial professional.

Equity Doc Prep, LLC (formerly Midland Forms, LLC) is a document preparation company and is not authorized to advise you as to which documents you should use or may need; such advice would be considered the “practice of law.” Please consult your legal or financial advisor before making any financial decisions. Under the guidelines for legal document preparation services, you must make all legal decisions yourself—including decisions about the type of documents you need.

BiggerPockets/PassivePockets is not affiliated in any way with Equity Trust Company or any of Equity’s family of companies. Opinions or ideas expressed by BiggerPockets/PassivePockets are not necessarily those of Equity Trust Company, nor do they reflect their views or endorsement. The information provided by Equity Trust Company is for educational purposes only. Equity Trust Company, and their affiliates, representatives, and officers do not provide legal or tax advice. Investing involves risk, including possible loss of principal. Please consult your tax and legal advisors before making investment decisions. Equity Trust and BiggerPockets/PassivePockets may receive referral fees for any services performed as a result of being referred opportunities.